ARTISTS will pay tribute to a late Inverclyde painter with a special exhibition of his work next month.

Greenock Art Club will celebrate the life of long-serving member Hugh Farren, who died earlier this year a week short of his 80th birthday.

An exhibition in Hugh's honour, organised by his family, will run from November 2-10 at the Stables Studio, off Broomberry Drive in Gourock.

Students from Clydeview Academy will pay homage to their former mentor on the opening day, including his great-niece Sophie Arhimandritis, who is following in her uncle's footsteps by studying advanced higher art and design.

Selected paintings will also be on sale.

His niece Clare Arhimandritis, Sophie's mum, said: "It means a lot to the family.

"We're extremely proud of Hugh and all he achieved with his art. "The family are delighted and touched by the support received from Gillian Park and the members of Greenock Art Club. "Hugh had a long relationship with the club, where he taught for a number of years. "We're also thankful to Claire Wooler, art teacher at Clydeview Academy, who knew Hugh and will visit the exhibition with the Higher and Advanced Higher students."

Born in Greenock on May 14 in 1939 to Hugh and Anne, Hugh jnr was a triplet along with brothers Brian and John, who were all delivered on their mum's birthday.

They also had an older sister, Maureen, and younger sibling Anna.

The family lived in Fort Matilda Place and Hugh attended St Ninian's School before moving to St Laurence's because his mum taught there, then on to secondary education at St Mary's.

He left school at 15 and began an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator with the Co-op in Greenock but was conscripted to the army to do National Service.

Upon completion, Hugh resumed work but wanted to take his love of painting further and, having already joined the local art club, he attended evening classes at Glasgow School of Art twice a week for three years.

He also passed Higher English at James Watt College which paved the way for a place at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen where he became a mature student at the age of 32.

In later life, Hugh taught in various schools in Glasgow before returning home to JWC.

Aged 51, he was forced to quit work after suffering two heart attacks but continued to paint at home every day for the rest of his life, leaving behind more than 200 canvasses.

The artist also struck up a bond with Clydeview Academy, mentoring sixth year students and inviting them to see his creations at home in Caledonia Crescent.

Gillian Park from Greenock Art Club said: "Hugh left behind a fabulous body of work and his family would like to share his legacy with the people of Inverclyde. "Visitors will be able to buy pieces of his work, see a film of Hugh and follow a timeline showing his artistic development and sources of inspiration."

Hugh, who died on May 8 at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, never married and is survived by his brother John, sister Anna and his 16 nieces and nephews.

The exhibition will be open from noon-5pm Monday-Friday and between 11am and 5pm at weekends.